West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the implementation of the National Education Policy and PM-SHRI scheme, outlining wide-ranging reforms in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and student welfare.

West Bengal Unveils Education Overhaul Under NEP and PM-SHRI

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday announced a series of reforms aimed at transforming the state’s education system, stating that West Bengal has formally joined the National Education Policy (NEP) and the PM-SHRI scheme.

Addressing reporters after a high-level meeting attended by senior officials from New Delhi, Adhikari said the discussions focused on modernising educational institutions, improving transparency in teacher recruitment, and enhancing infrastructure across schools and colleges.

According to him, the state will receive its full allocation under the schemes during the current financial year. He added that the previous administration had failed to access central funds because it had not complied with policies laid down by the Union government.

Focus on Modern and Accessible Education

Adhikari said the meeting centered on ensuring that students in schools, colleges, and universities receive quality education without having to depend heavily on private institutions.

He stressed the need to improve student-teacher ratios and maintain transparency in appointments by keeping political influence out of the recruitment process.

“Recruitment should be based on merit,” he said, adding that an administrator of Chief Secretary rank has been appointed to oversee the process.

The state government, he noted, is also planning to amend education laws so that parents can serve as chairpersons or vice-chairpersons of School Management Committees, a model that is already in place in several other states.

Infrastructure Upgrade Planned for Thousands of Schools

A major part of the reform package involves upgrading school infrastructure across West Bengal. Adhikari said the government has set a target covering nearly 81,000 schools.

Under the initiative, schools will receive component grants for infrastructure development. Measures announced include:

• Installation of solar panels in educational institutions in a phased manner.
• Provision of clean toilets and arsenic-free drinking water.
• Installation of fans in schools lacking adequate cooling facilities.
• Introduction of sanitary napkin vending machines in girls’ schools.
• Deployment of water purifiers to improve hygiene standards.

The programme will initially be rolled out in the districts of Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, and Jhargram before expanding to other parts of the state.

Changes Planned for Mid-Day Meals

The state government also announced changes to the mid-day meal programme. Adhikari said cooking in schools will gradually shift to gas-based systems to improve safety and hygiene.

Beginning August 1, expenditure on mid-day meals at the primary level will increase from ₹6.78 per student to ₹10. He added that organizations such as ISKCON, which already manage meal programmes in several areas, including Kolkata, will continue to provide food in selected locations.

The government hopes that these changes will improve nutritional standards and create a healthier environment for students.

Teacher Recruitment and Reservation Policy

Teacher recruitment emerged as another key issue during the discussions. Adhikari reiterated that future appointments would be carried out through a transparent and merit-based process.

He said reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes would continue to operate according to established rules and transparent procedures.

Referring to the OBC reservation issue, Adhikari claimed that the previous government’s policies had created complications. He said the state had already introduced legislation to address the matter and indicated that the government would soon withdraw its case related to OBC reservations from the Supreme Court.

According to him, this move could pave the way for approximately 6,000 pending appointments in addition to previously promised recruitments.

Private Institutions to Face Inspections

The government has also decided to inspect private educational institutions and universities that have received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the state.

Officials will assess compliance with regulations and review standards of governance and infrastructure in these institutions.

Adhikari said the broader goal is to ensure that all educational establishments—public and private—deliver quality education in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy.

Why This Matters

The adoption of the NEP and PM-SHRI scheme marks a significant shift in West Bengal’s education policy. The proposed reforms cover infrastructure, student welfare, recruitment practices, and governance, with the potential to impact millions of students across the state.

The measures are also expected to strengthen cooperation between the state and the Centre in implementing education initiatives.

Conclusion

West Bengal’s decision to implement the National Education Policy and the PM-SHRI scheme signals the beginning of an ambitious overhaul of the state’s education sector. From infrastructure upgrades and improved hygiene standards to changes in teacher recruitment and school governance, the reforms aim to modernise educational institutions and enhance learning outcomes. While several measures will take time to implement, the government says the focus will remain on transparency, quality, and student welfare.

Key Takeaways

• West Bengal has joined the National Education Policy and PM-SHRI scheme.
• The state expects to receive full central allocations during the current financial year.
• Infrastructure upgrades are planned for around 81,000 schools.
• Mid-day meal spending at the primary level will increase from ₹6.78 to ₹10 from August 1.
• Teacher recruitment will be based on transparency and merit.
• Solar panels, clean toilets, and sanitary napkin vending machines will be introduced in phases.

FAQs

What major education schemes has West Bengal adopted?
The state has joined the National Education Policy and the PM-SHRI scheme.

Which districts will see the first phase of reforms?
Birbhum, Bankura, Purulia, and Jhargram will be covered initially.

What changes have been announced for mid-day meals?
The government plans to introduce gas-based cooking and increase spending per student.

How will teacher recruitment change?
Appointments will be made through a merit-based and transparent process, with minimal political involvement.

What infrastructure improvements are planned?
Schools will receive solar panels, clean drinking water, toilets, fans, and hygiene facilities.

Category: West Bengal | Education | Governance